Handicap Access question

[Roseymagnolia]

I have been having personal medical issues which is going to make it very painful to wait in lines and standing. We already have the vacation booked and paid for, so I can't cancel.
I don't have any sort of official handicap status, but I was wondering if I got a doctors note I could get wheelchair access and use the handicap entrances to rides?
I know it's harder these days to prove a disability at DL.

 

[sonnyjane]

I know it's harder these days to prove a disability at DL.

Actually, things are quite the opposite at Disneyland - you don't have to prove anything to anyone, and they aren't allowed to ask you to explain yourself. If you will be physically in a wheelchair at the time of your visit, you can simply use the wheelchair entrances on rides that have them. If you will not be in a wheelchair but feel you will need special access because of your medical condition, you can pick up a Guest Assistance Card at City Hall. You will not have to explain your condition to anyone or provide any type of doctor's note. Simply describe what your limitations are (can't stand for a long period of time, etc.) and they will provide you with the proper card. Then for each ride, just show that card and the CM working the entrance of the line will direct you how to proceed.

If you were not planning on renting a wheelchair, I would highly advise that you consider renting one. There is SO much walking and standing at the parks, you will definitely appreciate being off your feet if your condition makes standing difficult!

 

[ArchOwl]

Just wanted to add that for stamina issues or standing issues, the CM at City Hall will suggest that you rent a wheelchair or ECV (electronic convenience vehicle or scooter). I know many people won't feel comfortable with that, but that is Disney's answer to many stamina complaints.

They will also suggest use of FP to cut your wait time, so it may be a good idea to have a touring plan or strategy to maximize FP usage and minimize waiting.

You can also ask for "no stairs" if that is helpful for you.

Have fun!

 

[Liat]

Ok, so my DM has bad knees and walks with a cane if she is going to be walking for a long time (day to day she doesn't usually need it). I know she will flat out refuse to rent a scooter and I can't push her in a wheelchair (I'll be pushing a stroller).

Will DL give her a Guest Assistance card? She will be touring a by herself for part of the trip and I know that it will help her immensely if she could avoid standing for hours and hours.

 

[toocherie]

Why would she flat refuse to rent a scooter? it will make the trip nicer on the entire family if she is not exhausted and having to stop and rest every 10 minutes because of stamina issues. I would urge you to reconsider.

I would also suggest that anyone with handicap access questions check out the Disabilities board--it has tons of great info and Cheshire Figment has a great list of questions to ask yourself if you're questioning whether you should get a wheelchair or scooter.

 

[Liat]

My mother is a stubborn lady, and since she doesn't normally need help day to day with her mobility she doesn't see why she would need it on holiday. Silly but there you go.

I'm going to pop over and check out the disabilities board right now though! Thanks!

 

[skiingfast]

My mother is a stubborn lady, and since she doesn't normally need help day to day with her mobility she doesn't see why she would need it on holiday. Silly but there you go.

I'm going to pop over and check out the disabilities board right now though! Thanks!

I wouldn't worry too much, just look at what SonnyJane posted.

If you will not be in a wheelchair but feel you will need special access because of your medical condition, you can pick up a Guest Assistance Card at City Hall. You will not have to explain your condition to anyone or provide any type of doctor's note. Simply describe what your limitations are (can't stand for a long period of time, etc.) and they will provide you with the proper card. Then for each ride, just show that card and the CM working the entrance of the line will direct you how to proceed.

Using the GAC card will help you avoid a lot of standing time, which may be just what your DM needs.

 

[Mama Who]

This weekend I heard a CM at guest relations tell a woman who wanted a GAC to avoid standing during the wait time that she needed to rent a wheelchair for that. The disabled access wait areas apparently do not necessarily provide seating and as we all know a GAC does not necessarily provide a shorter wait time.

 

[ArchOwl]

My mother is a stubborn lady, and since she doesn't normally need help day to day with her mobility she doesn't see why she would need it on holiday. Silly but there you go.

I'm going to pop over and check out the disabilities board right now though! Thanks!

I am sure you have probably seen by now that for the kind of complaint that your mother has, Disney will probably not issue her a GAC to avoid standing in lines. She could get one for "no stairs", but that will not allow her to avoid standing in line. Additionally, many of the handicapped lines are not that much shorter anyway (Pirates and Space Mountain come to mind).

Unfortunately, Disney will most likely tell you and your mother to rent an ECV or wheelchair to avoid stamina issues. If your mother truly refuses, you will most likely need a plan that includes lots of FPs and a minimum of walking for her.

Hopefully you can change her mind about a ECV or wheelchair, but if not, good planning can help a lot. Good luck!

 

[Grim_Grinning_Girl]

No, no note required. And yes, totally forgot about the no stairs request, definitely request no stairs for Tower of terror. Small World has some stairs if you don't ride the chair in. Haunted Mansion has somewhat of a standing wait so if the person is very sensitive or has trouble standing for short periods of time then it may be better to ride the chair in.

Indiana Jones has a crazy long line and stairs, it's quite a trek for healthy people so do use the chair. Even if you have a chair/scooter it's good to have the GAC card in case you decide to park the chair yet use the handicap entrance, good to have in case you are asked. Most CMs won't ask, but if the person seems fairly healthy they may ask to see a GAC.